As many of us in the web development community are freelancing, I'm curious to find out which platforms everyone is currently using. I used to freelance, but I've been away from it for a while now. I'm looking for your insights on what platforms are most effective for getting freelance gigs. For those of you who aren't relying on these platforms, how do you find clients?
5 Answers
Honestly, if you want to avoid the hassle of platforms, build your own portfolio and work on getting referrals. I've had one profile on a local site, but word of mouth has brought me way more gigs! Quality work and good relationships matter.
Upwork still dominates the freelance scene, but it’s turning into a race to the bottom with all the bidding wars. I've found that having a strong LinkedIn profile and networking directly can lead to much better gigs compared to being stuck in the flood of proposals.
Yes, that’s exactly why I avoid Upwork. I had a similar experience on Fiverr, where clients expect a lot for very low prices.
With all the competition, it can be really tough to make decent money on these platforms. Many of them also block direct networking with clients, which defeats the purpose of freelancing. It often feels like you’re just helping them get clients for themselves.
I think a lot of developers are mixing main platforms like Upwork with direct leads from LinkedIn or referrals. While platforms might help you get started, the long-term clients often come from networking and past work.
I've had my fair share of hiring on Upwork. I’ve found some great talent, but it’s become a nightmare due to spam and scams. I’ve shifted my approach to rely more on local networking and word of mouth. Building a strong portfolio and getting out there helps a ton!
I totally agree! Upwork has definitely felt like a race to the bottom for a couple of years now. Networking seems way more effective.